Yu Zhang

Yu (Yulia) Zhang, Ph.D., CFP®, AFC®, is an Assistant Professor of Personal Financial Planning in the School of Consumer Sciences at Kansas State University. Her research focuses on household financial decision-making, financial well-being, financial literacy and education, behavioral finance, financial anxiety, investor behavior, financial technology, and financial capability.

Her research has appeared in journals including the International Journal of Bank Marketing, Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, Family Relations, and Journal of Financial Therapy. She received the 2026 Early Career Award from the Academy of Financial Services in recognition of her scholarly contributions.

Dr. Zhang serves on several academic journal editorial boards and holds leadership positions in professional organizations, including the American Council on Consumer Interests. At Kansas State University, she coordinates the Personal Financial Planning Ph.D. program and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in financial planning, research methods, and statistical analysis. Her scholarly and professional activities emphasize advancing financial knowledge and improving financial well-being.